Illest Hawaii – “it was all a dream…” but the dream is now reality!  I remember when Mark first told me about it and we threw some ideas back and forth.  Once the location was locked down, he asked me if I knew anyone who could build furniture for the store.  I told him I could do it, but I think Mark made the better choice in choosing Dae Son from Wood Inc. instead of me!  Check out Mark’s post on the grand opening here.

So I spent many hours throughout January with Dae at his workshop, both shooting photos and videos, and also battling some severe tool envy!  I’ll let the photos do the rest of the introduction…let the build out begin!

Monkeypod bench almost done, onto the nested display tables built from reclaimed gym flooring from Punahou High School.

How’s that for process?!

And last but certainly not least, a barn door for the dressing room built in similar fashion.

Check out these behind the scene videos linked from my Instagram (first time doing video too ;))



And the calm before the storm…ready for opening weekend!

Before the festivities kicked off, the crew spent some quality time together.  Check out that Lucky Hello Kitty, a gift from me and wifey 😉

First the G-Shock x Illest Release Party!

Illest sponsored 12 year old body boarder Kainoa Lono stopped by to drop off an autographed poster!

The day of the Grand Opening, we saved two parking spots right out front for our friends Brian Mikami and Samson Mak – mahalo for bringing out these beauties!

Brian’s classic 1972 Toyota Celica made it’s debut at the Grand Opening – can you say cherry?! 

And finally the official Grand Opening!

Come visit Illest Hawaii at 680 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 104A!  If these photos don’t convince you, maybe this slammed Illest shopping cart will 😉

 

Anthony Nguyen
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